Some potential benefits and medicinal uses of Pomegranate

Most parts of the pomegranate (Punica granatum) tree is useful to remedy many common day to day ailments. It is said to be a 'cure for all ills'. The pomegranate is valued as a powerful medicinal plant and used in folk medicines. Its uses also find mention in ancient pharmacological manuscripts. Its value as a wonderful 'polycrest' is too well known. Here are some of its potentials and medicinal uses of this humble tropical fruit. This shrubby little tree is quite easy to grow in home gardens.

(Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 20, 2008. Your comments are welcome, but please be aware that authors of previously published articles may not be able to promptly respond to new questions or comments.)

Some potential benefits of pomegranates

The pomegranate tree is useful in many ways and almost every part is useful in one way or other.

The bark of the branches and decoction of the roots which contain an alkaloid pellatrierine and tannic acid is a highly useful medicine to get rid of helminthes, the intestinal parasite worms in the human intestine. This decoction is reported to be effective also in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is also employed in the control of dysentery and diarrhea.

Pomegranate seeds are rich in oil, which have hormone producing effects and stimulate estrogen hormone. It is also used to prepare cosmetics and moisturizing body lotion.

Powder prepared from rind is used as a tooth powder and also as medicine a cosmetic industries. Rind powder is excellent source of beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. The powder contains 16.5% polyphenols and 5.35% mineral matter.

Decoction of the flowers is used to relieve oral and throat inflammation.

Pomegranate fruit juice makes an excellent drink which contains potassium, phosphorous and calcium as well as micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc and copper. The juice stimulates appetite and is used in treatment of stomach disorders. It is a good painkiller. The fruit juice is beneficial for dry coughs, provides relief in urinary disorders and can be used to wash wounds and ulcers. It is well known as an excellent treatment for anemia.

Pomegranate fruit has a high content of riboflavin, the B2 vitamin that normalizes the nervous system and is used against radiation sickness.

Medicinal properties:

Pomegranate is a poly-vitamin, a unique fruit plant producing a wide spectrum of biologically active substances espescially important in our present-day polluted environment. It helps in preventing the harmful effects of radioactive substances by producing biologically active substances. Russians, after the deadly Chernobyl tragedy, used pomegranates to reduce the effect of radioactive substances. In order to maintain the health and energy levels of astronomers, submariners and coal miners, they often consume pomegranate juice regularly.

Pomegranate is loaded with tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenolics and antioxidant vitamins, A, E and C, all of which have a health effect on the body. These elements work together to benefit the arteries, plus it keeps the cardiovascular system healthy which is the chief health benefit of Pomogranate. It has also been found to increase levels of nitric oxide, which improve blood flow to the heart, reduce arterial plaque, reduce systolic blood pressure and help in curing erectile dysfunction.

Other benefits include preventing premature aging, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer's and even cancer.

Medicinal uses:

Diarrhea:

The skin of the fruit is valuable in the treatment of diarrhea. About 20g of the skin and 3g of cloves or cinnamon should be boiled well in about 250ml of water. After cooling the patient should drink 30-40ml of the liquid thrice a day for few days.

Hoarseness or loss of voice:

Boil 20g of the skin and 2-3g of alum in 250ml of water. Use the liquid for gargling.

Stomachache:

Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the fresh seeds and eat.

Hyperacidity:

The peel of the fruit should be dried and powdered and taken in doses of 5-10g, twice or thrice a day.

Poor appetite and digestive disorders:

Make regular use of the pure juice of the fruit. Also use it for simple colitis where colon is inflamed, characterized by colicky pain and constipation or diarrhea. The juice is an excellent remedy in dysentery, inflammation and ulceration of the lower part of the colon, characterized by pain and diarrhea with bloody stools and mucus.

Nausea and morning sickness:

For nausea and morning sickness characterized by excessive secretion of bile, a tablespoon of the fresh juice mixed with an equal quantity of honey is an effective remedy.

Intestinal worms:

The bark of the pomegranate tree is highly toxic to intestinal worms. Boil the bark of a 2-inch long root bit in a cup of water and drink it three times a day to relieve the parasites.

Fever:

Mix a pinch of saffron powder to a glass of juice. The beverage is very useful in fevers and it keeps away thirst felt during fever.

Skin irritation caused by intestinal worms:

Anal itching is a key symptom indicating the presence of intestinal worms. It is often caused by parasites in the intestines that go to the anal area to lay their eggs causing local itching. Roast the skin of the pomegranate until it is dark brown and brittle. Crush the powder to a fine texture. Mix with a little edible oil and apply over the anus.

Teeth and gum disorder:

Regular use of toothpowder of the rind helps in prevention and curing tooth decay and gum disease. It cleans the teeth, leaving them sparkling white. To make the powder, dry the rind in the sun until it is brittle and grind it. Mix the powder with a little fine black pepper and store in a jar. Use it everyday with a toothbrush or apply and rub with the finger.

Bleeding piles:

Take about 10g of the skin of the sour variety of the fruit and boil in about 250ml of water. Sweeten with sugar and drink in the morning and evening hours.

Make Pomegranate fruit a frequent item in your diet. "A pomegranate a day can keep the doctor away!"

Editor's Note: The information provided here should not be relied upon without consulting your physician.

About Dinakar KR

A gardening enthusiast, nature lover, homeopathy follower, cricketer, peace liker and animal admirer having a flair for writing and searching for time for those things what with a camera in hand!